A WORCESTER teacher who took up triathlon just five years ago following a running injury has qualified to compete for Great Britain in the World Duathlon Championships in Ibiza next year.
Matt Warne, 39, is now seeking sponsorship to help him with the £1,500 costs of attending the championships, which includes flights, accommodation, kit, training and physiotherapy bills.
“I started my triathlon journey back in 2017 as a result of an injury I sustained from running and turned to the pool and bike as a way of reducing the load on my body,” he said. “A few friends and training partners suggested I take up triathlons and, having put my mind to the goal of completing my maiden event, I was hooked.
“Qualifying for the Duathlon World Championships is a dream come true, particularly after another injury in June wiped out most of my plans for the season, but I felt fit and ready when I took my place at the starting line for the final qualifier of the year in Thruxton, Hampshire this October and I knew when I crossed the finishing line that I really couldn’t have given it any more.
“As an amateur athlete, I fund everything myself – from bikes, track time, physio and competition fees – but, having researched this project, I know I will need some financial support to help make my dream become reality.
“My wife and children have been so supportive on this incredible journey and without their backing none of this would be possible. I have also been blown away by the positivity of the local community, with Black Pear Physio Worcester providing ongoing support and local businesses Encore Communications and Scimitar kindly agreeing to sponsor my GB tri suit.
“If anyone is able to help me finance the final leg of this project, I’d be hugely grateful for their donations, however big or small.”
In a typical week, Matt trains for between seven and ten hours, fitting his sessions in around his full-time job as Head of Computing and Digital Learning at RGS The Grange and being dad and taxi driver to two young children.
A founder member of Malvern Buzzards running club and member of Wyre Forest Cycle Racing Club, he can often be seen out and about, clocking up the miles on the city’s roads early in the morning or once the children have gone to bed.
For further information and to sponsor Matt, visit https://gofund.me/8da4e032
